Greenstone Dimensions

Abstract

On the Swedish west coast, flint artifacts have been of major interest while less attention has been paid to other lithic materials. In places, diabase and other greenstone artifacts dominate the archaeological record. Some greenstone adzes are significant chronological markers, but so far no interest has been devoted to the associated flake debitage. The significance of flakes was taken into consideration during excavations that were carried out in 2007. One site yielded large quantities of Late Mesolithic greenstone adzes and associated flake debitage. A few other greenstone artifacts were Early Neolithic in date. The two greenstone assemblages have been compared to illuminate aspects of production, use, and social organization. By identifying a few selected attributes on adzes and flakes, the organization of greenstone knapping activities can be understood in terms of standardization and specialization.